Source: Microsoft, RIM to announce search deal

Microsoft and Research In Motion are expected to announce on Thursday a partnership that will make it easier for BlackBerry users to reach Microsoft's search engine, according to a source familiar with the companies' plans.

As part of the deal, BlackBerry users will have the option to use Microsoft Live Search as their search engine of choice within the device's browser. Also, Microsoft's Live Search will be an option from within RIM's mobile portal.

Although Microsoft competes with RIM for business phone customers, it has also worked to get some of its products onto its rival's devices. In one case, Microsoft even debuted a service first for BlackBerry--that being Tellme's voice-to-screen search feature on the BlackBerry.